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15 brilliant human rights wins in March!

31 March 2016, 16:20 UTC

March was an incredible month for human rights – activists were released, unfair laws were changed, and people who committed serious human rights abuses were brought to justice. We’ve picked out 15 successes, wins and pieces of good news, and they were all made possible thanks to your support.

1. Egypt: Teen who challenged torture released after more than two years

9. Malaysia: Women’s rights activist acquitted

Activist Lena Hendry was cleared after being charged under a law which criminalizes possessing or showing films not approved by the Film Censorship Board of Malaysia. She had faced up to three years in prison after screening a film on human rights violations in Sri Lanka.

12. Kuwait: Former opposition MP cleared

13. United Arab Emirates: Blogger released

Omani blogger Muawiya al-Ruwahi was acquitted by the Federal Supreme court in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 14 March. He had been charged with “establishing and managing online accounts for the purpose of inciting hate and disrupting public order and social peace” and “ridiculing the State and its leaders”.

14. Turkey: Syrian refugee released from airport detention

Syrian refugee MK was released on 29 March after being arbitrarily detained on his arrival at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport in November. MK feared the Turkish authorities would send him back to Syria, where his life would be in danger.